Maui Wildfire Victims Honored with Ninety-Eight Hearts of Mercy & Compassion at New Memorial Site11/14/2023
  Thank you for your generous support and for BEING THERE with LCC to show the love and presence of Jesus to the people of Maui. Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) and Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in Kahului have come together to assist with service planning and establishing a new memorial site in Maui for the victims of the recent wildfires. With the support of our generous donors and the hard work of our volunteers, we were able to create a beautiful and meaningful tribute to those who lost their lives in the fire.  Emmanuel worked with LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and Project Manager Tim Laabs to prepare, assemble, and place 98 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion at the memorial site, located off Hokiokio Place, just one block from the entrance into the Lahaina community, which is currently restricted for resident access only. Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for two more victims, whose names were released yesterday, will be added to the memorial. The team of volunteers gathered at the memorial site last Saturday morning for scripture, song, prayers, and a moment of silence in remembrance of each heart bearing the name of a person who died in the fire, as well as Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."  Several community members found the heart with their loved one's name and signed a message of love onto the heart. "To see this long row of Hearts and Crosses creates a deep impression of both the magnitude of life lost and yet also the hope that we have in Jesus," Rev. Chris Singer shared. "Listening to the stories from family members of those lost in this fire was an incredible experience. It was heartwarming to hear their words of thanks for honoring their loved ones and to feel our love and care for them," Tim Laabs said. The memorial site serves as a reminder of the love and presence of Jesus in times of tragedy. We thank you for your faithful prayers and support as we continue to assist the Maui communities affected by the wildfires in their long recovery process. Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for Four University of Idaho Shooting Victims Honored at Vigil11/14/2023
 LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac (Redeemer - Spokane Valley, Washington) and his team, along with Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC), paid tribute to the victims of the University of Idaho shooting during a vigil held in Moscow on Monday, November 13. The event was held to honor the memories of Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, and Madison Mogen, who were murdered a year ago. Isaac and his team provided comfort and support to the attendees, offering a much-needed source of solace during this difficult time. Their presence was a reminder of the healing power of animals and the importance of community in times of grief.  The four HMCs, in honor of each victim, were set up to provide a space for people to write messages of hope and healing. During our visit, we were overwhelmed by God's presence and the impact of Isaac's comforting presence. Isaac and the hearts and crosses served as a bridge for conversations, allowing us to show mercy and compassion to those grieving. It was heartwarming to see how the simple act of writing messages could provide comfort and closure to people. We were deeply moved by the gratitude and tears of those who thanked us for being there.  The four speakers at the vigil were the victims' best friends and displayed immense courage as they shared their heartfelt messages. Their words resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, offering solace and hope in the midst of grief.
After the vigil, Isaac's team visited each of the sorority and fraternity houses where the victims lived to present them with their sisters' and brother's hearts and crosses. The compassion and empathy witnessed during their visit left a lasting impact on everyone. "Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven." Matthew 5:16  The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs have been serving at United States Service Organization (USO) Great Lakes Naval Station for years, visiting monthly with service members and their families. On Saturday, November 11, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Nigel (LCC Staff) and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) and their U.S. military veteran handlers, Jeff Schulman and Jim Morrison, were honored to be invited to their annual USO Salute Gala to highlight the ministry and partnership. Nigel, Samson, and their handlers greeted guests as they walked into the event. Kare 9 handler Jeff Schulman, U.S. Marine veteran, with Kare 9 Samson, had an opportunity to share with the guests how the ministry serves active duty military and veterans. The handlers had a wonderful time meeting many amazing people and telling them about LCC Ministries. Many smiles and wonderful memories were made, all in service to others. At the end of the evening, the executive director of the Midwest chapter of the USO thanked the LCC Kare 9 team for being there that evening. He is grateful for LCC, and all the ministry does for service men and women. The United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) is an American nonprofit-charitable corporation that provides live entertainment, such as comedians, actors, musicians, social facilities, and other programs to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. Our prayers are for all who serve in the United States military for God’s protection, courage, strength, and love as they face the unknown. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Remax Realty in Roselle, Illinois, for hosting a clothing drive that was a tremendous success! Thanks to the community's generous donations, the LCC Human Care Ministry team was able to deliver an impressive 1,000 coats, 100 pairs of shoes, and clothing to First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois. These much-needed items will be given out at the Refugee Store in downtown Chicago, and we are thrilled that our efforts will make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Once again, we would like to express our gratitude to Remax Realty and everyone who participated in this wonderful event.
 LCC President/CEO, Rev. Chris Singer, along with HMC Project Manager, Tim Laabs, have arrived in Maui to work with Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kahului to prepare and place 99 Hearts of Mercy & Compassion at a memorial site uniquely chosen for this purpose in Lahaina  Leif Sjostrand (Congregational President), Russell Wilson (Head Elder), and Diane Wilson (Church Secretary) from Emmanuel have arranged for volunteers and newly trained Maui LERT team members to assemble the crosses and add names to the hearts for those who lost their lives in the Maui wildfires. Friday morning, volunteers will move the hearts and crosses to the memorial site located on Hokiokio Place in Lahaina, between the Lahaina Bypass and Honoapiilani Hwy.
Saturday morning, November 11th, volunteers specifically trained to offer comfort and hope to those visiting the site will return to the memorial site with Pastor Singer. The Dedication Ceremony honoring the lives lost will take place at 10:00 a.m. Attendees are invited to write messages of hope and healing on the hearts, which will then be presented to the families. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support for all of the communities affected by the wildfires who are now facing the long process of recovery. BE THERE with LCC to show them the love and presence of Jesus! Your Generosity Allowed LCC to BE THERE for the Lewiston Community in Their Greatest Time of Need11/8/2023
 Our time in Lewiston, Maine, was a powerful and moving experience for the LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams. God guided us to the people who needed us most. We were blessed with opportunities to extend love and compassion not only to the individuals who knew the victims of the tragedy but also to the family members of the perpetrator. We're following in Jesus' footsteps, showing that compassion knows no boundaries.  BEING THERE with the Lewiston Community During our visit, we had the privilege of reaching out to various corners of the community. We visited schools where the presence of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs helped children process their emotions and start the healing process. In healthcare facilities, we provided comfort to the staff who have been working tirelessly to tend to the wounded. We also spent time with the first responders who ran into danger to protect the Lewiston community. The impact of your support has been felt at every turn, and we couldn't have done it without you. It's a testament to the power of love, compassion, and community coming together.  Helping the Community Heal Lutheran Church Charities held a Community Healing Event on Thursday in downtown Lewiston. LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer was joined by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) New England District President Rev. Robert D Beinke and Rev. Timothy Sandeno (Redeemer - Gorham, Maine) at the event to offer spiritual support to the grieving community. The event also provided people with the opportunity to spend time with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and sign the LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC). LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams were special guests at the Maine Nordiques hockey game and asked to do the puck drop to start the game. It was a blessing for the teams to be recognized by the Lewiston community in this special way. Thank you to the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for saying, "Here am I; send me!" and answering the call to serve: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, Indiana), Claudia (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio), Gideon (St. Michael's – Bloomington, Minnesota), Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana), Kezia (Emmanuel – Baltimore, Maryland), Lily (Good Shepherd – Old Bridge, New Jersey), Lydia (Messiah – Lynnfield, Massachusetts), and Magdalene (Cornerstone – Carmel, Indiana). We thank Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Response Coordinator for managing the teams on the ground, and Jody Lockwood for being the point person for the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and crosses. Thank you for BEING THERE by working through Lutheran Church Charities
This past weekend, Lutheran Church Charities LERT volunteers Steve Brown, Pete and Christel Springmire served with several congregation members of St. John in Sycamore, Illinois clearing their property of trees and limbs. Next spring will be this church’s 150th anniversary and they have begun preparation of the grounds and church for this celebration. Scott Pumroy, church property co-director worked with all of the volunteers and expressed his thanks for their hard work and willingness to serve.
 LCC was blessed to have seven affiliates from different parts of the country: California, Kentucky, Illinois, New York, South Carolina, and Wisconsin represented at the Replacement Handler training last weekend. LCC is happy to welcome these incredible individuals who have been called to go out and serve their home communities to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those in need.
The handlers spent much time learning new handling skills and building their knowledge about the LCC K-9 Ministry. It was a time to grow and learn from one another. Each handler worked with either their affiliate’s dog or an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in training. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is one of presence. When the Lord calls, we must go and serve Him. Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?” And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me.” LCC welcomes the following new handlers to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry: Libby Crawford, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mercy (Our Savior - Louisville, Kentucky) Christine Schap, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Myra (St. Andrews - Park Ridge, Illinois) Marcia Friesen, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Asher (Faith Lutheran - Lake Forest, Illinois) Susan McCart, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Seth (Eternal Shepherd - Seneca, South Carolina) Cathy Pauley, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, California) John Quinn, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Beloved (Trinity - Hicksville, New York) Tom Kern, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Beloved (Trinity - Hicksville, New York) Brent DeRemer, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin) Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is honored to welcome U.S. Army veteran Cathy Pauley and U.S. Marine Corp veteran John Quinn as handlers representing the LCC Kare-9 Military Ministry and retired Police Officer Tom Kern of Nassau County Police Department and retired Cpt. Brent DeRemer of the Rock County Sheriff’s Office representing the LCC K-9 Police Ministry.
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